The Antilles Canon Law Society (ACLS) just concluded its annual convention, which was held from September 8th to 10th 2026. The convention was held online this time around, following a proposal from the Bishops of the Antilles to alternate between a physical and an online meeting. The proposal from the Bishops was warmly welcomed by the executive of the ACLS since this would greatly save on the costs of having a physical meeting every year in one of the dioceses of the AEC, which involves the costs of traveling and accommodation for the participants.
The overall theme of the convention this year was ‘SYNODALITY AND THE APPLICATION OF JUSTICE – THE PATH FORWARD.’ This theme was chosen in line with the current ongoing process of implementing synodality in all aspects of the life of the Church, so too in the application of justice and in the workings of our ecclesiastical tribunals. Various speakers were invited to do a presentation on this theme and the program included the following: the convention started on day one with a presentation from the general secretary of the AEC, Rev. Don Chambers, who reflected on the recent Ad Limina visit of the AEC bishops and how synodality was experienced and/or addressed during that visit, and also how synodality applies to the administrative processes in the dioceses of the Antilles. His presentation was followed by a presentation of two ACLS members, who are both working in the tribunal of the Eastern Caribbean: Ms. Cassandra Leben and Ms. Peta-Gay Lee-Brace. As lay persons, they shared of their own experiences with synodality while working in the tribunal.
The topic of lay persons working in tribunals was further explored on day two of the convention and a presentation was given by Dr. Niels Maris, a professor of canon law at the University of Leuven (Belgium). He delved into the topic of lay participation in ecclesiastical tribunals and how it affects justice and mercy in the life of the Church. A very interesting presentation that was followed by a lively online discussion. On the final day, the convention took a deeper look at artificial intelligence and what impact it can have on the administration of justice. This topic was chosen in light of the recent encyclical of Pope Leo XIV on the topic of AI: “Magnifica Humanitas.” The presentation was done by Deacon Richard Mills, from the Diocese of Clifton (Bristol, UK), who recently completed his studies at the University of Leuven and was awarded the title JCL. Another very interesting presentation that evoked many responses. At the end of the day, all participants felt that this particular topic very much needed further exploration and the executive is looking at the possibility of continuing on it at the next convention.
Preparations are now underway for the 2027 convention, which will once again be held as a physical meeting. The venue of next year’s convention will soon be announced.
